New York, New York

Project Runway S08E12 We're in a New York State of Mind

The designers got a little chance to rest, relax, talk to each other, and drink champagne. The next day they receive their challenge - to use any New York landmark as inspiration. Michael C. immediately headed for the Statue of Liberty, which was...really a normal choice. Although the idea of the Statue of Liberty is inspiring, it seemed like a really safe choice to me because it was something that could have been chosen by anyone and everyone.

April and Mondo went for the Brooklyn Bridge, but different portions of it. April was inspired by the architecture of the bridge itself, while Mondo liked the optical illusion of the bridge. Andy headed to Central Park for the curviness of the paths of the park and the tree branches. Gretchen went to the Lower East Side, but didn't seem that inspired by the theme in general.

I was a little worried for Mondo during this design challenge because he took a 90 minute nap and ended up stressed up until the runway. It was the final challenge before fashion week and the designers definitely were exhausted.

pic courtesy of mylifetime.com

Michael C's dress was very plain and boring. It doesn't seem as though he really did much. Gretchen's look was nice, but the jacket doesn't have the wow. Somehow it didn't all go together, but each piece was nice by itself.  Andy's look was very cool with the mix of shiny and matte fabrics. However, it was very reminiscent of his earlier designs - the warrior woman look.

Mondo's look had awesome pattern mixing and is very cute. April's look was nice on the bottom, but I didn't like the top so much; it also reminded me of her earlier work, just a dress version instead of top with sheer pouf and shorts.

pic courtesy of mylifetime.com

After their critique, the designers had to give a reason why they should go to Fashion Week and name two other designers that should go with them. I was a little worried about Andy and April because they both love the black. Andy loves the warrior woman, while April really loves the black tulle idea. Gretchen and April ended up in the bottom two, but April was out with Gretchen's earlier wins probably keeping her in.

I don't think Michael C deserved the comment of it being a stand-out dress. It seemed as though he was a universal choice for the best dress this challenge, but I really didn't think so, it was wayyy too boring.